Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Beats Q1 Expectations

The world’s biggest maker of health care products handed in earnings of $1.56 per share on revenue of $17.37 billion, beating Wall Street estimates of $1.54 per share on revenue of $17.33 billion.

“The company delivered strong underlying growth in the first quarter driven by new products and the strength of the core business. Of note is the continued robust growth of the Pharmaceutical business and the solid performance of our Consumer brands,” said in a statement Alex Gorsky, Chairman and CEO. “I am proud of our global teams who focus every day on delivering innovative solutions to address evolving health care needs.”

The company however, updated its adjusted earnings guidance for full-year 2015, providing EPS guidance of $6.04 – $6.19 versus consensus of $6.12 – $6.27 per share. The company said the change reflects further negative foreign currency movements.

On valuation measures, Johnson & Johnson shares, which currently have an average 3-month trading volume of 8.18 million shares, trade at a trailing-12 P/E of 17.64, a forward P/E of 15.54 and a P/E to growth ratio of 2.73. The median Wall Street price target on the name is $110.00 with a high target of $123.00. Currently ticker boasts 8 ‘Buy’ endorsements, compared to 10 ’Holds’ and 1 ‘Sell’.

Profitability-wise, JNJ has a t-12 profit and operating margin of 21.96% and 28.44%, respectively.

JNJ currently prints a one year return of about 7% and a year-to-date loss of around 3.20%.

Johnson & Johnson researches and develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the health care field worldwide. The company was founded in 1885 and is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey.